BA (Hons) Animation with Integrated Foundation Year

During Year 1 you will focus on:

• Fundamental design principles: typography, colour, hierarchy, layout, and imagery
• Developing clear visual narratives, identities, and design systems
• Crafting effective visual storytelling through sequencing, pace, and tone
• Conducting research with cultural, social, and ethical awareness
• Mastery of industry-standard software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, After Effects, Acrobat, Premiere Pro)
• Managing production workflows from pre-production to post-production
• Critically evaluating design work using relevant criteria
• Creating professional portfolios, slide decks, and pitch presentations

During Year 2, 3 and 4 of the course you will explore:

• Animation fundamentals
• Acting performance
• Visual narrative
• Body mechanics
• Animation industry
• Observational and contextual subject related areas

In Year 1, you’ll explore the essential principles relevant to your degree. The Integrated Foundation Year provides the time, guidance, and support you need to identify your strengths, build confidence, and get ready for the demands of industry-focused, project-based learning. The modules* are:

• Module 1: Diagnostic Exploration – Developing informed decision-making
• Module 2: Technical – Putting technical knowledge into practice
• Module 3: Specialist – Advancing innovation within specialist fields
• Module 4: Integration – Combining skills to support progression into Year 2 of your course

*Subject to revalidation

You will build fundamental skills in contemporary animation software and equipment and begin to learn the art of storytelling, combining creative thinking and applied techniques.

We will encourage you to start thinking about your own reflective practice and contextual studies research.

Modules:

• Mark-Making in Motion
• Expressive Motion
• Introduction to Visual Culture
• Visual Culture Futures
• Professional Life Practice: Developing your Practice
• Professional Life Practice: Exploring your Practice

You will specialise within animation production, in areas such as visual effects and character performance. This will allow you to enhance your practice and develop an approach to your personal creative output.

We aim to set a variety of live project briefs, giving students the opportunity to work with industry and find mentors in order to develop and hone their professional skills.

Students are further supported in securing a work-based learning opportunity at the end of their third year.

Modules:

• Animation Character Performance
• Visual Development (Character Design)
• Animation Narrative(s)
• Professional Life Practice: Applying your Practice
• Work Based Learning

You will bring your learnings together in a final major animation project, with the aim of pitching your skills to other students on the course and eventually to industry.

We will also ask you to show your contextual studies research and thinking through a long-form dissertation.

Finally, you will complete a personal portfolio of your skills, so you are ready for entry into your industry of choice.

Modules:

• Animation Industry Prep
• Animation Production
• Professional Life Practice: Situating your Practice
• Animation Portfolio

You will be continuously assessed based on project presentations, written work, essays, experimentation and research evidence, blogs, and reports.

Modules have both Formative and Summative assessment points with feedback and advice provided, and a final grade awarded.

Animation is an increasingly widespread form of media and good animators are becoming more sought after in film, television, visual effects (VFX), gaming and the web.

Animation graduates often go on to secure work as 2D generalists or specialists in areas such as: concept, modelling, animation and VFX production.

Past Ravensbourne University London animation graduates have been employed in roles within film and television, VFX, advertising, post-production, apps and games.

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media, or design.

For entry to BA (Hons) Animation with Integrated Foundation Year applicants are selected on the basis of:

• an applicant’s prior academic achievement/qualifications and/or previous employment/life experience;
• assessment of the applicant’s ability and aptitude to succeed on the course for which s/he has applied.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. 

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website. The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

International students can apply directly via our Online Applicant Portal. Please see bespoke advice for international students in the dedicated section below. 

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students